Oxford, NCRC partner for tennis programs

The Newton County Recreation Department and Oxford College of Emory have partnered for the first time to bring the community a new tennis experience.

The two organizations have come together for four- and five- week tennis sessions, which are being conducted now, and a six-week tennis session, starting April 8 and lasting through May 17, at the Oxford College tennis courts.

NCRC has held tennis clinics in the past, by bringing in independent tennis professionals. However, now with Oxford College’s help, teachers and trainers are more easily available with the use of the Eagles’ coaches.

The partnership benefits Oxford College because they get NCRC’s marketing and advertising’s reach.

“We want to be able to help each other,” Brandon Feldman, Oxford College tennis coach and director of athletics, said. “We have the teaching ability and they have the marketing ability that will help us grow tennis in the area.”

Also adding to the cause to help tennis grow around Oxford College is new lines on its tennis courts, which were added thanks to a grant given out last year. The United States Tennis Association grant allowed Feldman and his staff to add lines for a quick start program, helping young players learn the game.

Lines were placed for 4 to 10-year olds to play on the courts sideways on a length of 36 feet. There are also lines on the Oxford College courts for 10-and-under players to go the same direction as adults but at a shorter length of 60 feet, compared to the standard 72.

“A lot of schools have balked at the idea of putting lines on the court because they didn’t look traditional,” Feldman said. “I was convinced by the USTA and some other tennis providers. It is becoming the standard for instructing youth tennis players.”

Feldman hopes Oxford College’s first partnership with the NCRC can lead to joint efforts in other sports, such as wheelchair tennis.

“We would love to get some other programs besides kid and adults,” Feldman said.

The first set of clinics under the new NCRC/Oxford College partnership is for ages 4 to 16 years of age. For the 4 to 6 age group, sessions are Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. until 5:15 p.m.; the 7 to 8 age group sessions are Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.; and the 9 to 10 age group sessions are Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; ages 11-12 sessions are Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.; and ages 13-16 Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Prices are $15 per class, $50 for the four-week session, $60 for the five-week session and $70 for the six-week session.

For more information, contact Feldman at (770) 784-8355 or brandonfeldman@emory.edu.